Oil Patch Bits: Schlumberger introduces its new PowerDrive Archer

Schlumberger said March 1 that it has released its new PowerDrive Archer high build rate rotary steerable system. The system delivers well profiles previously possible only with motors, and with the ROP and wellbore quality of a fully rotating RSS. The system can drill complex 3-D trajectories and openhole sidetracks from any inclination. It can drill vertical and horizontal sections, in one run, with no flat time for trips to change the bottomhole assembly. “The unique PowerDrive Archer system has repeatedly and consistently drilled high-build rates during field trials in many formations, some wells exceeding 17°/100 ft,” said Andy Hendricks, president, Schlumberger Drilling & Measurements. “This unique technology maximizes reservoir exposure, reduces risk and increases potential hydrocarbon production.” The control unit comes from PowerDrive X6 RSS, which allows a wider operating envelope and provides greater reliability. All PowerDrive Archer external parts rotate, reducing the risk of mechanical or differential sticking and improving wellbore quality for easier well completion. For more information visit www.slb.com.